22 Rimfire Precision - Ruger, CZ, Bergara, Voodoo, Other / Why?

[MDof2]

Thinking about opening Pandora's 22 rimefire wormhole to play in the 22 PRS match stuff. I am completely new to the offerings in the rimfire game. Off the top of my head I know of Ruger, CZ, Voodoo, Bergara, and that's about it. I currently shoot 6 and 6.5mm PRS chassis style guns now, so wanting to tinker with something that my Son and I can participate in mutually, or something he runs most of the time. I don't know what I don't know, so I don't have a specific budget in mind. Not entry level, but not 'fvck you' money either.

Anyone recently been down this path, and or anyone who can share what you picked and why?
Why you chose one versus the other and what was of value then and now? Regrets? Wish you woulda's?

 

[Mr. Wolf]

Welcome to the madness that is 22LR.
Lots of great info on various rifles here. Along with the rifles you mentioned, I would recommend looking at the Tikka and RimX. They all have pros and cons, but here is why I went with the CZ 457 ProVarmint.

1. Built it to complete in NRL22 base class, $588 MSRP which left me $462 to get a decent scope.
2. Trigger is easily adjustable, a $24 YoDave trigger will bring it down to the 1 lb range if you want.
3. The barrel upgrade path is more robust compared to the Tikka and it is easy to change out at home, no gunsmith required.
4. The threaded barrel opened up the possibility for suppressors/tuners. (Though suppressors may or may not improve accuracy)
5. From what I've read, the 20" Tikkas probably shoot more variety of ammo better than the 16" CZ 457, but the CZ 457 appears to have less ejection and magazine issues than the Tikka. I know I'm a sample of 1, but I've had zero feeding, ejection, magazine or any other issue to speak of from the CZ.

Hope that helps. Try a variety of ammo (mine really likes CenterX and SK Rifle Match), focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship, and enjoy the journey down this strange but fun wormhole.
YMMV, happy shooting.

 

[littlepod]

@Mr. Wolf hit it pretty spot on about the CZ and the Tikka.

I went 10/22 -> Tikka -> Vudoo.

Sharing a chassis with your son might be difficult given the LoP, Weight manageability between the two of you. But I think it's fine to start off with say a CZ 457 for your son, and then if you really get the itch build yourself a rimfire trainer that mirrors your 6.5, just costs 80% less to shoot.

 

[MDof2]

@Mr. Wolf hit it pretty spot on about the CZ and the Tikka.

I went 10/22 -> Tikka -> Vudoo.

Sharing a chassis with your son might be difficult given the LoP, Weight manageability between the two of you. But I think it's fine to start off with say a CZ 457 for your son, and then if you really get the itch build yourself a rimfire trainer that mirrors your 6.5, just costs 80% less to shoot.

Thanks for the input. His LOP is actually about the same as mine, (sturdy kid....) perhaps a tick shorter, however in a PRS setting, I shoot with a slightly shorter LOP by choice. Makes adjustments, rooftops, barrels, etc. a lot easier for me in particular.

He's been driving a 10/22 and a little Savage something or other bolt 22lr for a bit now.
I'm also warming up to the idea of a 22LR trainer like you mention. If not for cheaper operating costs, just fun factor I'm thinking is a lot of bang for the buck. Particular in the NRL22 type stuff.

I've got a buddy who gave me some glass time behind his Voodoo which I was wildly impressed with how well and nice that was to shoot. Really nice trigger, action, feel, finish, etc. 3K or so he was into it with glass.

@Mr. Wolf Thank you. Great info.

 

[Poirierpro]

My vote would be B14r. I threw a Strike Eagle 5-25 on it to “copy” my Razor Gen 2 on my 6.5 Creed. Zero regrets and if I had to do it over again today I wouldn’t do anything different. The rifle slays with SK Standard plus too...which isn’t too expensive.

 

[MDof2]

I'm a big Bergara fan as I have one of their rifles already. I know the B14 is a popular choice. Without digging around, can that be ordered in a chassis type configuration, or a barreled action and then an MDT type drop in?

 

[Dr. Strangelove_207]

Without digging around, can that be ordered in a chassis type configuration, or a barreled action and then an MDT type drop in?

I believe either is available in the US! I’m in the same boat as you but also considering a CZ 457 MTR or LRP. Both have match chambers and seem to work very well for ‘factory’ options that don’t cost the earth. I think MDT do a chassis for the 457 as well.

 

[accurate obsession]

The CZ / Tikka route is your best starter platform if you hope for some accuracy but are $$$ sensitive. Bergara is next, won't hurt $ too bad. Vudoo is tops but absolutely lives in the fvck me category. Of course this just talks about the rifle, buying optics and the OMG freaking ammo is a whole other issue.
Are you sure you want to open the box?

 

[jdodd]

... Vudoo is tops but absolutely lives in the fvck me category....

Its funny because its true haha. I have had a T1X for about a week as my first venture into .22lr and Im already lusting for a Vudoo. Thankfully the "fvck me "price tag has kept me in check. That and the fact a Vudoo barreled action would cost more than my current origin centerfire build.

 

[usafa77]

That and the fact a Vudoo barreled action would cost more than my current origin centerfire build.

Once you shoot it 1000 rounds more per month it might be worth it.

 

[littlepod]

Once you shoot it 1000 rounds more per month it might be worth it.

Every 1500 rounds of 6CM on centerfire rifle means another $700 barrel to spin up.
I went through 15000 rounds of rimfire... that's 10 new barrels.

 

[jdodd]

Every 1500 rounds of 6CM on centerfire rifle means another $700 barrel to spin up.
I went through 15000 rounds of rimfire... that's 10 new barrels.

The biggest draw for me is local (45 min) NRL22 matches and being able to train at my local 200 yard range whenever I want. Seems like a great training aid to supplement centerfire matches and the few times a year I get up to my families farm in VT to shoot out to 1k.

 

[accurate obsession]

The biggest draw for me is local (45 min) NRL22 matches and being able to train at my local 200 yard range whenever I want. Seems like a great training aid to supplement centerfire matches and the few times a year I get up to my families farm in VT to shoot out to 1k.

For some of the reasons you mentioned and a couple of others I have begun to shoot much more rimfire than CF in the last year or so, I'm even the MD of a match that you could compare to a NRL22X. We all laugh about it on here because so many have been down the same path, 10/22's - accuracy mods, CZ/Tikka - acc. mods, then finally break down and Vudoo. Right now I'm using a modded CZ in a chassis that's actually pretty damn good, but with my heightened interest in RF I've finally drank the Vudoo cool aid and have a BA on order. What softens the hit of the BA cost is the fact that I can run the Vudoo action in one of the CF chassis that don't get run so much anymore.

 

[Ruff 364]

Bergara B14 barreled action from Brownell's and throw it in your choice of stock or chassis. Have fun and welcome to the madness.

 

[x2cross]

My vote would be B14r. I threw a Strike Eagle 5-25 on it to “copy” my Razor Gen 2 on my 6.5 Creed. Zero regrets and if I had to do it over again today I wouldn’t do anything different. The rifle slays with SK Standard plus too...which isn’t too expensive.

That's exactly what I'm putting together. Hope I love it as much as you do

 

[Poirierpro]

That's exactly what I'm putting together. Hope I love it as much as you do

There’s no question you will! I love shooting this set up, the weight and even trigger feels pretty close to my center fire to really justify it being a true trainer.

 

[MDof2]

Voodoo in a chassis north of 3k and needs glass I think is kind of in the 'fvck you money' territory. I may be wrong. Maybe I need to reset or define my expectations on price point.

Voodoo, let's call it the gold standard, versus the B14 for a barreled action for 650, add chassis/stock, 500ish, and glass, maybe 500ish. Similar price points on a CZ. Unless I'm missing something along the way?
And then a Ruger Precision Rimfire for 500, add glass and go.

Is this the same scenario or situation that was basically, "you can buy an R700 or Savage 10 and go shoot PRS, or you can buy a Defiant, AI or Surgeon and go shoot PRS. There is a difference!”

 

[littlepod]

I'd more or less say it's the same thing. People calling a Vudoo expensive, would be the same as people calling a Defiance or Lone Peak expensive. They are.

Same thing about shooting PRS, you could do perfectly fine just running a Tikka T3X or Savage.

I'd say glass and chassis are separate conversations. You choose what / how you want to spend money on. Same with people putting a Tangent Theta on their Savage. If it works for you, great.

 

[MDof2]

Yeah, I need to find a happy medium somewhere between $3500 and $199 on sale.
Maybe that is somewhere in the CZ / Bergara wheelhouse. Lots of good input and info to chew on.

 

[Hoser]

Just get the Vudoo. Cry once.

 

[MDof2]

Just get the Vudoo. Cry once.

Jesus christ you sound like me.....

 

[Mr. Wolf]

For some of the reasons you mentioned and a couple of others I have begun to shoot much more rimfire than CF in the last year or so, I'm even the MD of a match that you could compare to a NRL22X. We all laugh about it on here because so many have been down the same path, 10/22's - accuracy mods, CZ/Tikka - acc. mods, then finally break down and Vudoo. Right now I'm using a modded CZ in a chassis that's actually pretty damn good, but with my heightened interest in RF I've finally drank the Vudoo cool aid and have a BA on order. What softens the hit of the BA cost is the fact that I can run the Vudoo action in one of the CF chassis that don't get run so much anymore.

Accurate - true, painfully true. I'm definitely in chasing the 10/22 accuracy phase, getting comfortable with the capabilities of the CZ, and fearing what I might be chasing when I smoke the Vudoo/RimX crackpipe.

MDof2 - The newly released CZ457 Long Range Precision has a stock with adjustable comb + LOP with spacer for under $900. If you have an existing Tikka or Rem700 based stock, Tikka T1x or Bergara might be a very reasonable path. I haven't sourced the resale values, but you could probably recoup much of the cost towards a Vudoo or RimX as you get to know your preferences in the rimfire discipline, but 22LR guns are like cats to a crazy cat lady for me... I can't seem to get rid of them, but continue to collect more.

YMMV, happy shooting.

 

[MDof2]

Thank you. Reading up on the new CZ now.

 

[Aussiedan]

For what its worth, I don't compete yet.

I bought a cz457 pro varmint, have a bergara b14r in aussie gun jail and a mpa chassis to go with it.

Having said that, it is inevitable that I'll get a vudoo in a chassis sooner rather than later.

In your circumstances it might work to grab a bergara and chassis which you can give to your son when you eventually get a vudoo/rim x etc

 

[Gjmen22]

For what its worth, I don't compete yet.

I bought a cz457 pro varmint, have a bergara b14r in aussie gun jail and a mpa chassis to go with it.

Having said that, it is inevitable that I'll get a vudoo in a chassis sooner rather than later.

In your circumstances it might work to grab a bergara and chassis which you can give to your son when you eventually get a vudoo/rim x etc

I'm sure if they enjoy it, they will both end up with a Vudoo.

 

[~JM~]

I was ready to buy either the CZ 457 MPR (Match chamber, nice wood), or the Tikka T1X. Higher end precision type of 22LR is new to me. When I learned about the Remington 700 short action footprint trainers, that just seemed to really click with me. Of course I want a Vudoo. Do I possess the skill level to justify the expense? Hell no!

I bought a Bergara B-14R. Took a while for all the parts to arrive. Scope, rings, base, etc. Then Christmas plans. Hope to have some free time in the next few days to head to the range. Feels substantial while familiarizing myself inside the house. It may be heavy for smaller shooters. Other than that, I doubt you could go wrong. Buy some nice optics that can be transferred later on to a Vudoo, or C/F.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cz+457+mtr

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tikka+t1x+

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tikka+t1x+vs+cz+457+mtr

 

[Boatninja]

Accurate - true, painfully true. I'm definitely in chasing the 10/22 accuracy phase, getting comfortable with the capabilities of the CZ, and fearing what I might be chasing when I smoke the Vudoo/RimX crackpipe.

MDof2 - The newly released CZ457 Long Range Precision has a stock with adjustable comb + LOP with spacer for under $900. If you have an existing Tikka or Rem700 based stock, Tikka T1x or Bergara might be a very reasonable path. I haven't sourced the resale values, but you could probably recoup much of the cost towards a Vudoo or RimX as you get to know your preferences in the rimfire discipline, but 22LR guns are like cats to a crazy cat lady for me... I can't seem to get rid of them, but continue to collect more.

YMMV, happy shooting.

I have a few .22's also, I recently bought both the B14r's to see if I like the carbon or steel barrel best, sell the other, well..............
I like your cat lady comment I have been accused of being .22 gay, I love all things .22.

 

[~JM~]

MAN CANNOT OWN TOO MANY 22's

 

[FO876]

I just got into PRS of any sort this past summer, went the cheap route buying an RPRR first. It gets a bad rap way too often but for the $$$ it's really not a bad choice, esp for a teen. So after a few NRL22's at my local club I got a lil bit by seeing some of the nicer equipment others shoot, I don't think any of the regulars are shooting the Vudoo but I could be mistaken. I saw lotsa CZ's out there, a few other RPRR's and a few Tikka's. All the serious shooters seem to have and run with an aftermarket chassis, making choices so much more confusing for a newbie...LOL!

I saw a few positive write-ups on the Bergara B14R, watched a few video's and fell in love with it's potential.....I dunno, maybe I should have gone with the cry once route (Vudoo) but I didn't think I could justify nearly 3G on a .22 at this point, not knowing if the competition bug would bite me good or if I'd wind up getting bored with it soooo I went with the B14R and love this thing so far. It's much more refined than the $400 RPRR of course, no surprise there. I haven't put as many rounds through this rifle yet but I can see I've been shooting more consistent tighter groups with this rifle thus far, seems like getting sub moa is more achievable. On my last outing, an older more experienced fella was present and bs'ing with me about Bergara rifles in general, he and his boys own 3 of them all in 6CM....I asked him if he wanted to try it in the .22......Dude's one and only group measured out to .33" @50 yds using SK R/M. I realize the Vudoo could have probably got an even tighter group but .33" is pretty dang solid IMHO.....at least I KNOW it's a shooter and capable, now I NEED to work on ME.

Gd luck with your research!

 

[Kisssofdeath]

I don't compete (nothing close) but if I did I wouldn't feel handy capped using my T1x, 457, B-14r, Ans 1710 or 1712, Sako P94s Finnfire Range, 452 Varmint or my Penrod B-14r. Because the thing is, I feel confident that if I missed a target with one rifle I'd have missed with any of the other on the list.

My philosophy/thinking is, whatever you are using you must have confidence in it. Just buy something and shoot.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

I went with the Bergara route because of the REM 700 footprint. I haven’t shot it yet but 22Plinkster’s review pushed me in that direction. I figure if I fall in love w 22 shooting I will sell the action and get the Vudoo. I personally couldn’t justify spending over 1k more for a little more accuracy. We shall see.

 

[littlepod]

I went with the Bergara route because of the REM 700 footprint. I haven’t shot it yet but 22Plinkster’s review pushed me in that direction. I figure if I fall in love w 22 shooting I will sell the action and get the Vudoo. I personally couldn’t justify spending over 1k more for a little more accuracy. We shall see.

B14R is a solid setup. People at the top of the PRS ladder, it's not that they're there because of their custom action, it's because they practice a metric crap ton. And if you're going to be shooting that much, you have the passion and interest to put whatever money you want into your kit.

I sold off all my other rimfires, and I just own a Vudoo now. I absolutely enjoy shooting it. Did my old Tikka T1X hold me back? No, but the Vudoo is just very well built and machined, bolt is smooth, it feeds perfectly, and fits R700 chassis. I also only own 1 centerfire bolt rifle, and got rid of all my other rifles.